In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, Nikki Giant sits down with Alex Barker, co-leader of the global movement Be More Pirate, which empowers individuals and organisations to break the rules with purpose.

Alex shares the fascinating history behind the Golden Age of Pirates and how their forgotten principles of equality, democracy, and fair pay are more relevant than ever. Learn how the pirate mindset can inspire us to reclaim our agency, challenge the status quo, and create lasting change—whether in the workplace, education, or activism. With real-life examples from organisations like Greenpeace, Dyson, and NHS teams, Alex shows us how small acts of boldness can lead to significant cultural shifts.

Tune in to discover how you can take control, rebel with purpose, and be more pirate in your everyday life.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The history and principles behind the Be More Pirate movement
• How to challenge the status quo in your personal and professional life
• The importance of collective action and rule-breaking with ethics
• Real-world examples of organisational transformation
• Practical tips on responsible rule-breaking and intelligent disobedience

Connect with Alex and Be More Pirate

• Visit the Be More Pirate website to learn more
• Connect with Alex and learn more about her speaking work at https://alexbarker.co.uk/
• Connect with Alex on LinkedIn
• Follow Be More Pirate on Faceook: www.facebook.com/BeMorePirate

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts and share how you’re sparking change in your own community.

In this inspiring episode of The Spark Changemakers Podcast, host Nikki Giant is joined by Sharon Benning-Prince, a force of change in supply chain transparency, anti-slavery advocacy, and gender equality. Sharon shares her personal journey, shaped by her family’s strength and resilience, to become a tireless advocate for justice, human rights, and women’s safety.

Trigger Warning: Please note, Sharon refers to her family’s experiences of domestic abuse and how this has impacted upon her work on women’s rights and justice.

Sharon shares her personal journey, from growing up in a Southeast Asian community in the UK, witnessing domestic abuse, to becoming a trustee for numerous women-centred organisations. She has fought for gender equality and women’s rights through her legal career and advocacy work. Sharon also founded Justice in Fashion during the COVID-19 pandemic, focusing on the rights of women in the fashion supply chain, particularly those impacted by the crisis.

With a wealth of experience, Sharon dives deep into the intersections of gender inequality, modern slavery, and the power of community. She explains her commitment to giving a voice to those who are often unheard and how her path has been inspired by her family’s legacy and her passion for equality.

Tune in as Sharon reflects on her past, discusses the ongoing challenges in the fight for justice, and shares what drives her to keep making an impact.

Listen now for insights on:

• The role of supply chain transparency in tackling modern slavery
• Empowering women through community-driven initiatives
• The importance of legacy, resilience, and support in advocacy
• How change happens, both big and small, and what each of us can do to help

Connect with Sharon:

• Learn more about Justice in Fashion: justiceinfashion.org
• Connect with Sharon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sharon-benning-prince-775178b/
• Join Sharon’s group for grassroots Domestic Violence organisations on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13097304/
• Connect with host Nikki Giant: @NikkiGiant

If you're affected by any of the issues Sharon explores in this podcast, please contact the National Domestic Abuse helpline on 0808 2000 247 or visit https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review! Let us know your thoughts and share how you’re sparking change in your own community.

In this episode of the Spark Changemakers Podcast, we speak with Mark Lloyd, the founder and head of Odyssey School in Pattaya, Thailand.

Mark shares his inspiring journey, from beginning as a volunteer in Thailand to starting his own school in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Driven by a vision to create a more holistic, creative, and student-centred educational experience, Mark's Odyssey School has become a beacon of hope for families seeking a nurturing and inclusive approach to learning. Mark discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a unique education model that fosters creativity, nature-based learning, and individualised support.

Join us as Mark shares valuable insights on leadership, the importance of love in education, and the need for a more joyful, strength-based learning environment.

Whether you're an educator, a parent, or a change maker in the world of education, this conversation will leave you feeling inspired and empowered to create positive change.

Key Takeaways:

• Mark’s journey from drama and education to founding Odyssey School in Thailand.
• How nature-based and creative approaches can transform education.
• The role of love, safety, and joy in supporting students, including those who are neurodiverse.
• Overcoming the challenges of leading a school during a pandemic and beyond.
• Lessons on resilience and leadership in the education sector.

Connect with Mark Lloyd:

Twitter: @EduLeaderQuest

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mark-lloyd-b795851a0

Odyssey School on Facebook: www.facebook.com/odysseyinternationalschool